Single-use plastic band on the Gold Coast: MPs Meghan Scanlon and Sam O’Connor back bill for Queensland

A Gold Coast MP says he pulled “two boatloads” of plastic waste from the Broadwater in a rare show of solidarity between the city’s youngest ministers. READ THE FULL REPORT

• FULL RECAP: Find out all the winners from our Best of the Gold Coast series
• Uproar after Coast MP questions response to toddler’s death

A GOLD Coast MP says he pulled “two boatloads” of plastic waste from the Broadwater in a rare show of solidarity between the city’s youngest ministers.

Bonney MP Sam O’Connor and Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon have backed a bill to ban single-use plastics across the state.

The MPs shared photos of rubbish collected from the Broadwater and Carrara areas on Clean Up Australia Day last weekend.

Ms Scanlon told Parliament: “Half of all plastic produced is designed to be used only once, and it is then thrown away.

Mr O’Connor said a ban would be a “big step” towards keeping plastic out of waterways and parks.

However, outside Parliament Mr O’Connor said he had concerns about why schools had been excluded from the ban and why items such as juice box straws, yoghurt spoons and frozen meal plates were not included.

Ms Scanlon said the exclusions were due to “permanent or temporary disability and healthcare needs”.

“This was to ensure that students, teachers and others who have a disability or healthcare need can access these items without having to self-identify their needs.”

After Parliament voted in favour of the ban late on Wednesday, it will begin in September and include straws, stirrers, plates, cutlery and polystyrene takeaway containers and cups.

Follow @JournoBrenn